GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench
    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 x 10 inch
    • J 24426 Outer Wheel Bearing Race Installer
    • J 24427 Inner Wheel Bearing Race Installer
    • J 44419 Hub Bearing Installer
    • J 44420 Differential Bearing Installer

Removal Procedure

Note: The wheel hub seal must be replaced anytime the wheel hub assembly is removed from the axle housing.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Note: In the following service procedure, it is not necessary to remove the brake caliper from the bracket

  4. Remove the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
  5. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.

  6. Object Number: 685935  Size: SH
  7. Remove the axle nut retaining ring.

  8. Object Number: 685937  Size: SH
  9. Remove the key.

  10. Object Number: 685938  Size: SH
  11. Using the J 2222-C wrench , and loosen the adjusting nut.

  12. Object Number: 685939  Size: SH
  13. Remove the adjusting nut.

  14. Object Number: 685940  Size: SH

    Note: If the oil seal remains on the axle hub, remove the seal using a suitable seal removal tool.

  15. Remove the hub from the axle housing.
  16. Remove the rotor, if necessary. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  17. Using a suitable seal removal tool, remove the oil seal from the wheel hub.

  18. Object Number: 666251  Size: SH
  19. Remove the inner hub bearing.

  20. Object Number: 768683  Size: SH
  21. Using a brass drift and a hammer, remove the inner hub bearing cup.

  22. Object Number: 666208  Size: SH
  23. Remove the retaining ring from the wheel hub.

  24. Object Number: 695766  Size: SH
  25. Using the J 24426 installer  (2) and the J 8092 handle  (1), remove the outer hub bearing and bearing cup.

Installation Procedure

  1. Lubricate the following with a light coat of high melting point EP bearing lubricant:
  2. • The outer wheel bearing
    • The inner wheel bearing
    • The outer wheel bearing cup
    • The inner wheel bearing cup
    • The axle hub spindle

    Object Number: 666187  Size: SH
  3. Install the outer bearing into the wheel hub.

  4. Object Number: 666203  Size: SH

    Note: Drive the outer bearing cup into the wheel hub until it is just past the retaining ring groove. Do not bottom out the bearing assembly in the bore.

  5. Using the J 44419 installer  (2) and the J 8092 handle  (1), install the outer bearing cup into the wheel hub.

  6. Object Number: 666208  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure that the retaining ring is fully and evenly seated in the groove.

  7. Install the retaining ring into the groove.

  8. Object Number: 695766  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure that the outer bearing assembly rotates freely in the hub

  9. Using the J 24426 installer  (2) and the J 8092 handle  (1), turn the wheel hub over and seat the outer bearing assembly against the retaining ring.

  10. Object Number: 666217  Size: SH
  11. Turn the wheel hub over and install the inner bearing cup.

  12. Object Number: 666250  Size: SH
  13. Using the J 24427 installer  (2) and the J 8092 handle  (1), install the inner bearing cup into the wheel hub.

  14. Object Number: 666251  Size: SH
  15. Install the inner bearing.

  16. Object Number: 720311  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure the seal is fully seated in the hub bore.

  17. Using the J 44420 installer  (2)  and the J 8092 handle  (1), install the new oil seal.
  18. Install the rotor, if necessary. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement.
  19. Apply a light coat of high melting point EP bearing lubricant to the axle housing spindle.

  20. Object Number: 685940  Size: SH

    Note: If the wheel hub assembly does not fully seat itself onto the axle shaft spindle and is removed, the wheel hub seal must be replaced.

  21. Install the wheel hub to the axle housing.

  22. Object Number: 685938  Size: SH
  23. Using the J 2222-C wrench , install the adjusting nut to the hub.
  24. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment.
  25. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
  26. Install the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
  27. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  28. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
  29. Lower the vehicle.